Qualcomm starts selling off L-Band UK spectrum for 4G boost
Band could be used to improve internet services and connections across Europe
Chip company Qualcomm has confirmed plans to start selling off chunks of UK spectrum after details about its intentions were revealed earlier this month.
Qualcomm, which we last met in the fallout of an antitrust dispute in China, has a history of parting with its spectrum, and has regularly sold sections over the past decade.
The company confirmed a continuation of this policy in a statement today, and the sale of a whack of space in the UK.
"The European Commission recently voted for the release of L-Band (1452-1492MHz) spectrum throughout the European Union for use as Supplemental Downlink (SDL). Qualcomm believes that SDL can be key to meeting the increase of 4G mobile data traffic globally that is downlink centric," the firm said.
"Qualcomm UK Spectrum (QUKS), Qualcomm's subsidiary that owns L-Band spectrum rights in the UK, plans to trade this spectrum.
"Now that (1) the L-band is harmonised and mandated by the EU for mobile broadband SDL and (2) the technical terms of QUKS's licence were varied by Ofcom to allow SDL to be deployed, QUKS now plans to offer its spectrum for sale."
Ofcom said at the time: "Ofcom today announced the outcome of its fifth auction of radio spectrum. This auction was for spectrum in the 1452-1492MHz band, known as L-band. This is suitable for offering services such as mobile television, wireless broadband and satellite radio.
"The spectrum has been released on a technology- and service-neutral basis, allowing the user the flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer and to change their use of the spectrum over time. The licence issued is tradable."
The band could now be used to boost internet services and connections across Europe. Ofcom is expected to release details of an auction later this year.